Last Updated on September 22, 2021
The flag of Australia is based on the British maritime Blue Ensign – a blue field with the United Kingdom flag (Union Jack) in the canton or upper hoist quarter – augmented with a large white seven-pointed star (the Commonwealth Star) and a representation of the Southern Cross constellation, made up of five white stars – one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars. There are other official flags representing Australia, its people and core functions of government.
The flag’s original design (with a six-pointed Commonwealth Star) was chosen in 1901 from entries in a competition held following Federation, and was first flown in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, the date proclaimed as Australian National Flag Day. A slightly different design was approved by King Edward VII in 1903. The current seven-pointed Commonwealth Star version was introduced by a proclamation dated 8 December 1908. The dimensions were formally gazetted in 1934, and in 1954 the flag became recognised by, and legally defined in, the Flags Act 1953, as the “Australian National Flag”.
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Brief History of the Flag of Australia
During the 19th century, Australia was under the rule of the British, and the Union Flag was used beginning in 1770. It was also during the 19th century when flag movements were created and unofficial flags went into use. The most common of these flags was the Federation Flag used in 1831, which was designed by Captain John Nicholson.
It was in during the 20th century when the seriousness of having a national flag set in. In 1900, a content was held to find a new design for the national flag. The requirements of the contest were that the Union Flag and the Southern Cross had to be used in the design. Another contest was held and over 32,000 entries were received. The two contests were merged and the designs were judged based on seven criteria, including loyalty, history and cost to manufacture. Five entries that were almost identical in design were chosen, and the winners split the prize money, which today would amount to about $25,000. The national flag flew for the first time in 1901. The flag was later revised in 1908 to change the Commonwealth Star from six points to seven. Since 1908, the flag has remained unchanged.
Meaning Behind the Colours of the Flag of Australia
There are three prominent symbols on the Australian flag. That includes the Union Flag used by the United Kingdom. This uses the three heraldic crosses representing the countries of the United Kingdom, including St. George’s Cross of England, St. Andrew’s cross of Scotland, and St. Patrick’s Cross of Ireland. This was thought to have been added to symbolize the history of Australia as a British colony.
The flag also features the Commonwealth Star, or Federation Star. This star has seven points representing the six federating colonies. Finally, the flag features the Southern Cross. This is a constellation that has been used to represent the nation since it was settled by the British.
The flag of Australia features three colors: red, white and blue. The blue is featured as the field and is also a part of the Union Flag. The red is used as part of the Union Flag, and the white is the final color of the Union Flag, as well as the color of the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross.